CHEMICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY VII (EP 329)

NO. OF EXPERIMENT: 8

TITLE OF EXPERIMENT: THE TEMPERATURE PROFILE AND RATE OF HEAT

TRANSFER FOR RADIAL CONDUCTION THROUGH THE WALL OF CYLINDER

NAME: 1) MOHAMAD TASLIN SHAH BIN IBRAMSHAH

2) TAN CHIN YING
3) RESHNA KUMMARI A/P MOHAN
4) KAM JIA YAN
5) ABDIRAHMAN YASIN IBRAHIM

STUDENT ID: 1) 1001748107

2) 1001851476
3) 1001643817
4) 1001954749
5) 1001852370

GROUP: 1

DATE OF EXPERIMENT: 22 MARCH 2021

TUTOR: MS. RAFIZAH BINTI ZAITON

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGY & BUILT ENVIRONMENT
2021
TABLE OF CONTENT
CONTENTS PAGE

1. Problem Statement 1

2. Hypothesis 1

3. Objectives 1

4. Introduction 1

5. Material and Apparatus 4

6. Procedures 4

7. Results and Calculations 5

8. Discussion 11

9. Limitation 12

10. Conclusion 12

11. Reference 13

12. Rubric 14
1. Problem Statement

 What is the relationship between the temperature difference, distance, and thermal
conductivity?

2. Hypothesis

 The relationship between the temperature difference and the distance is inversely
proportional.
 The relationship between the temperature difference and the thermal conductivity is
inversely proportional.
 The relationship between the distance and the thermal conductivity is inversely
proportional.

3. Objectives

 To examine the temperature profile and determine the rate of heat transfer
resulting from radial conduction through the wall of a cylinder.
 To determine the thermal conductivity of the cylindrical solid.
 To be able to plot a graph of temperature against distance (r) of heat travelled to
the wall of cylinder.

4. Introduction

The transfer of heat energy in a material due to a temperature gradient within it is known
as thermal conduction. It often occurs from a hotter to a cooler zone. Since all liquids and
gases have extreme convective heat transfer, a solid is chosen for the pure conduction
experiment. Heat conduction happens in three dimensions in practices, a difficulty that
frequently necessitates thorough computation to grasp. To demonstrate the basic law that
relates rate of heat flow to temperature gradient and area, a single-dimensional approach
is needed for the experiment.

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Theory of the experiment

Heat can flow radially outward from the inner surface of a thick wall cylinder if it is
hotter than its surroundings. If the cylinder is visualized as a set of concentric circles
made of the same substance and in close proximity to one another, it can be shown that
each cylinder has a greater surface area for heat transfer. If the heat supply at the centre
stays stable, so the heat flow per unit area must decrease as the heat flows outward. As a
result, as the radius grows, the temperature gradient decreases.
When the temperature differential between the inner and outer surfaces of a thick wall
cylinder is uniform, heat flows radially through the cylinder wall. Every cylindrical
surface concentric with the tube's central axis has a constant temperature (isothermal) and
heat transfer is natural (at right angles) to the surface due to symmetry. The radial heat
flow per unit length of tube across these isothermal surfaces must remain constant for
continuity. The temperature gradient must decrease with radius as each successive layer
faces an increasing surface area with radius.
If a plane section of thermal conductivity k, thickness Δx and constant area A maintains a
temperature difference ΔT then the heat transfer rate per unit time 𝑸̇by conduction
through the wall is found to be:

Q = -kA dT/ dx
Where,
Q = heat flow rate, [W]
k = thermal conductivity of the material, [W]/ [Km]
A = cross-sectional area of the conduction, [m2]
dT = changes of temperature between 2 points, [K]
dx = changes of displacement between 2 points, [m]

The negative sign follows thermodynamic convention in that heat transfer is normally
considered positive in the direction of temperature fall.
Returning to the thick wall cylinder, if an elemental thickness of dr is considered then the
area of this length of cylinder x can be considered as 2πr x. The temperature gradient

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normal to the elemental thickness is (dT/dr).
Applying Fourier’s law to this elemental cylinder:

Q= - k2πrx(dT/dr)

Since Q is independent of r, by integration between Ri and Ro it can be shown that

Q ln(Ro/Ri) = -2πkx (To – Ti)

By rearranging the equation

𝑹𝒐
𝑸𝐥 𝐧( 𝑹𝒊 )
k= -
𝟐𝝅𝒌𝒙 (𝑻𝟎−𝑻𝒊)

For the purposes of the experiment, the negative sign in the above equation may be
ignored.

Overleaf are sample test results and illustrative calculations showing the application of
the above theory.

Heat does not move immediately into a solid material. If heat is applied at a constant rate
Q to the centre of a disc, the temperature nearest to the heat source would continue to
increase as soon as the heat is applied. Heat can migrate through the substance away from
the heat source to some region of lower temperature due to conduction.

The rate of heat transfer through the disc and the resulting temperature increase will be
determined by the bar's thermal conductivity (W/Km), as well as the material specific
heat (J/kg K), density (kg/m3), and bar measurements.

The heat will transfer through the disc and the temperatures at various points along the
radius will rise until a steady state condition exists where all intermediate temperatures
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 are constant. As long as the heat input and the sink temperature are constant, the system
will remain in equilibrium.
The subject of unsteady state heat transfer is beyond the capabilities of this unit but the
procedure allows the concept unsteady state heat transfer to be introduced. Overleaf are
sample test results showing the temperature rise of T1 to T6 with time.

5. Materials and Apparatus

Soltec heat conduction study bench, Model: HE105

6. Procedures

1. Radial module is used in the heat exchanger.

2. Before starting the experiment, it was ensured the main switch was OFF.
3. Temperature T1, was inserted to selected temperature.
4. Six different temperatures, T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 was inserted at temperature
selector.
5. Heater power was set to 0 watts.
6. The switch was then turned ON.
7. The water supply was switched on as well.
8. Suspension time was allowed so that steady state could be achieved.
9. Temperatures T1-T6 were recorded.
10. Steps 5-9 were repeated using heater power of 10 ,20,20,40 watts.
11. Once the experiment was complete, the water supply was closed and the main
switched was turned OFF.

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7. Results and Calculations

Temperature (°C)
Power (W)
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6
0 28.5 27.7 26.4 26.3 26.2 26.1
10 29.3 28.4 26.7 26.5 27.2 26.7
20 32.0 30.2 27.1 27.0 27.0 27.1
30 36.0 33.0 27.5 27.3 27.1 27.2
40 41.7 37.3 28.2 27.8 27.6 27.8
r (m) 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06
Table 1: The table above shows the data obtained from the experiment.

Temperature (°C) vs Radial Position

43.0

41.0

39.0

37.0
Temperature (°C)

35.0

33.0

31.0

29.0

27.0

25.0
0 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.07
Radial Position (m)

0W 10 W 20 W 30 W 40 W

Graph 1: The graph above displays the relationship between the temperature, °C vs the
radial position, r.

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 Temperature (K)
Power (W)
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6

0 301.65 300.85 299.55 299.45 299.35 299.25

10 302.45 301.55 299.85 299.65 300.35 299.85

20 305.15 303.35 300.25 300.15 300.15 300.25

30 309.15 306.15 300.65 300.45 300.25 300.35

40 314.85 310.45 301.35 300.95 300.75 300.95

r (m) 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06

ln r -4.6052 -3.9120 -3.5066 -3.2189 -2.9957 -2.8134

Table 2: The table above displays the converted temperature units from °C to K and the natural
logarithm of r, ln r.

Temperature (K) vs ln r
316.00

314.00

312.00

310.00
Temperature (K)

308.00

306.00

304.00

302.00

300.00

298.00
-5.0000 -4.5000 -4.0000 -3.5000 -3.0000 -2.5000
ln r

0W 10 W 20 W 30 W 40 W

Graph 2: The graph above displays the relationship between the temperature, K and the
natural logarithm of r, ln r.

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Calculations
Thickness of brass given, L = 40mm = 0.4m
𝑇𝑖 = Inner section temperature, 𝐾
𝑇𝑜 = Outer section temperature, 𝐾
∆𝑇 = 𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜
Q = Heat Flow Rate, 𝑊
k = Thermal conductivity of material, 𝑊/𝑚 K
𝑅𝑜 = Outer radius, 𝑚
𝑅𝑖 = Inner radius, 𝑚

𝑄 =0𝑊
𝑅𝑜 = 0.02𝑚, 𝑅𝑖 = 0.01𝑚
∆𝑇 = 𝑇1 − 𝑇2 = 301.65 − 300.85 = 0.80K

2𝜋𝐿𝑘∆𝑇
𝑄=−
𝑅
ln( 𝑅𝑜 )
𝑖

𝑅𝑜
(𝑄)ln( )
𝑅𝑖
𝑘=
2𝜋𝐿∆𝑇
0.02
(0) ln (
𝑘= 0.01)
2𝜋(0.04)(0.80)
𝑘 = 0𝑊/𝑚 K

𝑄 = 10 𝑊
 Sample Calculation

𝑅𝑜 = 0.02𝑚, 𝑅𝑖 = 0.01𝑚
∆𝑇 = 𝑇1 − 𝑇2 = 302.45 − 301.55 = 0.90𝐾

2𝜋𝐿𝑘∆𝑇
𝑄=−
𝑅
ln( 𝑅𝑜 )
𝑖

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 𝑅
(𝑄)ln( 𝑅𝑜 )
𝑖
𝑘=
2𝜋𝐿∆𝑇
0.03
(10) ln ( )
𝑘= 0.02
2𝜋(0.04)(1.70)
𝑘 = 9.4899 𝑊/𝑚 K

 Tabulated Calculations

𝑇(°C) 𝑇(𝐾) ∆𝑇(𝐾) 𝑟(𝑚) 𝑙𝑛 𝑟 𝑘 (𝑊/𝑚 K)

29.3 302.45 - 0.01 - -

28.4 301.55 0.90 0.02 0.6931 30.6399

26.7 299.85 1.70 0.03 0.4055 9.4887

26.5 299.65 0.20 0.04 0.2877 57.2251

27.2 300.35 0.70 0.05 0.2231 12.6821

26.7 299.85 0.50 0.06 0.1823 14.5068

𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑘, 𝑘𝑎𝑣𝑔 24.9085

𝑄 = 20 𝑊
 Sample Calculation

𝑅𝑜 = 0.02𝑚, 𝑅𝑖 = 0.01𝑚
∆𝑇 = 𝑇1 − 𝑇2 = 305.15 − 305.35 = 1.80𝐾

2𝜋𝐿𝑘∆𝑇
𝑄=−
𝑅
ln( 𝑅𝑜 )
𝑖
𝑅
(𝑄)ln( 𝑅𝑜 )
𝑖
𝑘=
2𝜋𝐿∆𝑇
0.03
(20) ln ( )
𝑘= 0.02
2𝜋(0.04)(3.1)
𝑘 = 10.408 𝑊/𝑚 K

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  Tabulated Calculations

𝑇(°C) 𝑇(𝐾) ∆𝑇(𝐾) 𝑟(𝑚) 𝑙𝑛 𝑟 𝑘 (𝑊/𝑚 K)

32.0 305.15 - 0.01 - -

30.2 303.35 1.80 0.02 0.6931 30.6399

27.1 300.25 3.10 0.03 0.4055 10.4070

27.0 300.15 0.10 0.04 0.2877 228.9004

27.0 300.15 0.00 0.05 0.2231 -

27.1 300.25 0.10 0.06 0.1823 145.0681

𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑘, 𝑘𝑎𝑣𝑔 103.7538

𝑄 = 30 𝑊
 Sample Calculation

𝑅𝑜 = 0.02𝑚, 𝑅𝑖 = 0.01𝑚
∆𝑇 = 𝑇1 − 𝑇2 = 309.15 − 306.15 = 3.00𝐾

2𝜋𝐿𝑘∆𝑇
𝑄=−
𝑅
ln( 𝑜 )
𝑅𝑖
𝑅
(𝑄)ln( 𝑅𝑜 )
𝑖
𝑘=
2𝜋𝐿∆𝑇
0.03
(30) ln ( )
𝑘= 0.02
2𝜋(0.04)(5.50)
𝑘 = 8.7998 𝑊/𝑚 K

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  Tabulated Calculations

𝑇(°C) 𝑇(𝐾) ∆𝑇(𝐾) 𝑟(𝑚) 𝑙𝑛 𝑟 𝑘 (𝑊/𝑚 K)

36.0 309.15 - 0.01 - -

33.0 306.15 3.00 0.02 0.6931 27.5759

27.5 300.65 5.50 0.03 0.4055 8.7986

27.3 300.45 0.20 0.04 0.2877 171.6753

27.1 300.25 0.20 0.05 0.2231 133.1617

27.2 300.35 0.10 0.06 0.1823 217.6021

𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑘, 𝑘𝑎𝑣𝑔 111.7627

𝑄 = 40 𝑊
 Sample Calculation

𝑅𝑜 = 0.02𝑚, 𝑅𝑖 = 0.01𝑚
∆𝑇 = 𝑇1 − 𝑇2 = 314.85 − 310.45 = 4.40𝐾

2𝜋𝐿𝑘∆𝑇
𝑄=−
𝑅
ln( 𝑜 )
𝑅𝑖
𝑅
(𝑄)ln( 𝑅𝑜 )
𝑖
𝑘=
2𝜋𝐿∆𝑇
0.03
(40) ln ( )
𝑘= 0.02
2𝜋(0.04)(9.10)
𝑘 = 7.091 𝑊/𝑚 K

 Tabulated Calculations

𝑇(°C) 𝑇(𝐾) ∆𝑇(𝐾) 𝑟(𝑚) 𝑙𝑛 𝑟 𝑘 (𝑊/𝑚 K)

41.7 314.85 - 0.01 - -

37.3 310.45 4.40 0.02 0.6931 25.0690

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 28.2 301.35 9.10 0.03 0.4055 7.0905

27.8 300.95 0.40 0.04 0.2877 114.4502

27.6 300.75 0.20 0.05 0.2231 177.5490

27.8 300.95 0.20 0.06 0.1823 145.0681

𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑘, 𝑘𝑎𝑣𝑔 93.8453

8. Discussion

The experiment's findings support the predicted hypothesis, which states that the graph of
temperature vs. radial location tends to be linear. The temperature drops as the radial
location distance from the centre to the outer layer grows. However, as you get closer to
the outermost layer, the temperature settles into a certain range and becomes steady.
The description of critical insulation thickness can be interpreted in this way. Other layers
except the first inner layer are seen as insulations as the radial thickness increases in the
experiment. The addition of insulations expands the outer surface area and, as a result,
reduces the rate of heat transfer to the inner core. Critical thickness can be termed as the
thickness when heat flow increases and after when heat flow decreases. If the critical
thickness of the sphere or cylinder is known, the dissipated heat transfer value can be
controlled. Additional insulation after the critical thickness value will help to minimize
heat loss to the atmosphere. The critical thickness is very small in most applications. As a
result, hot water or steam pipes may be insulated without concern of increased heat transfer.
The critical thickness value can be calculated as 0.03m based on the data collected, and
thickness above 0.03m is found to have a constant temperature throughout.
The average thermal conductivity coefficient, k avg, is the lowest among the four power
inputs, at 24.9085W/m K, as shown in the table of measured values for Q = 10 W. This is
thanks to the temperature differential between power inputs, which allows the temperature
of the core to rise as the power input rises. The final calculation of average thermal
conductivity, k avg, is strongly affected by the temperature difference. The remaining
power inputs have k values of 103.7538 W/m K, 111.7627 W/m K, and 93.8453 W/m K,
respectively. There will be no k avg to determine if Q = 0 W because no noticeable heat
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 transfer occurred.

9. Limitations

The limitation of this experiment is must wait the condition become steady state before
taking the plated temperature by waiting around 10 to 15 minutes. This is because the
temperature will continuously change until the condition at steady state. This will affect
the result to incorrect values. Besides, when experimenting must ensure in the closed
environment. This is because environmental factors such as humidity, air pressure, and
air flow will affect the result. In addition, the protective gloves, clothing and eye wear
must be worn during experimenting to ensure the safety of ourselves.

10. Conclusions

In conclusion, the experiment went smoothly and has proven our hypothesis valid, which
is the graph of temperature is inversely proportional to the radial location. The
temperature drops as the radial location distance from the centre to the outer layer
increases. This may due to the addition of insulations expands the outer surface area and
thus reduces the rate of heat transfer to the inner core. Nevertheless, we also obtained the
average thermal conductivity coefficient, k avg. throughout the experiment. From the
result and calculation, we found that the average thermal conductivity is strongly affected
by the temperature difference. Based on our result, the lowest result was at 24.9085 W/m
k when the power input Q is at 10 W. This is because the differential between power
inputs allows the core temperature to rise as the power input rises. Which in term also
proved our second hypothesis to be true, the temperature difference is inversely
proportional to the average thermal conductivity.

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11. References

1. A.F. Mills, Heat Transfer, Second Edition, Prentice-Hall, New Jersey, 1999.
2. J.P. Holman, Heat Transfer, Tenth Edition, McGraw-Hill, New York, 2010.
3. E. W. Schumann and V. Voss, “Heat flow through granulated material,” Fuel, vol.
13, pp. 249–256, 1934.
4. Bedarkar, Swaren, et al. “Measurement of Thermal Conductivity along the Radial
Direction in a Vertical Cylindrical Packed Bed.” Journal of Powder Technology, 3
Feb. 2015, www.hindawi.com/journals/jpt/2015/584538/.
5. Aichlmayr, H. T., and F. A. Kulacki. “A Transient Technique for Measuring the
Effective Thermal Conductivity of Saturated Porous Media with a Constant Boundary
Heat Flux.” Journal of Heat Transfer, vol. 128, no. 11, 21 Feb. 2006, pp. 1217–1220,
asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/heattransfer/article-abstract/128/11/1217/444001/A-
Transient-Technique-for-Measuring-the-Effective?redirectedFrom=fulltext,
10.1115/1.2352791.
6. Legawiec, B., and D. Ziólkowski. “Structure, Voidage and Effective Thermal
Conductivity of Solids within Near-Wall Region of Beds Packed with Spherical
Pellets in Tubes.” Chemical Engineering Science, vol. 49, no. 15, Aug. 1994, pp.
2513–2520, 10.1016/0009-2509(94)e0070-7.

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